What Is Data Monetization?
And Why You Should Care About Who's Making Money Off Your Info
1. Let's Start with the Basics
Every time you use a website, fill out a form, or create an account online, you're often sharing personal information – your name, email address, interests, GPA, and sometimes even details about your household.
Most people assume this information is just being used to help them find what they're looking for. But in many cases, it's also being collected, stored, and sold or shared with other companies.
This is called data monetization – and it's a booming business.
2. So, What Is Data Monetization Exactly?
Data monetization means turning your personal information into profit.
Companies collect your data and either:
In simple terms: they're making money because of what they know about you.
And when the data comes from young users—especially high school students—it becomes even more valuable.
3. Why Should Students and Parents Care?
If you're a student using a scholarship site or signing up for college prep tools, you might be entering your academic profile, extracurricular interests, and family details.
But what many don't realize is:
That information can be resold to advertisers or marketers
You may start receiving targeted ads, emails, and texts you didn't ask for
Companies can use that data to build long-term consumer profiles about you
Here's the part that often goes unsaid:
"When companies collect data from young people, they're not just targeting your next purchase – they're trying to influence your preferences for the next 30, 40, even 50 years."
That early data can shape the ads you see, the products you're nudged toward, and the companies that compete for your attention—sometimes without you even realizing it.
4. Isn't This Just How the Internet Works?
It's common, but that doesn't mean it's right.
Many websites rely on selling user data to stay in business—especially if they're free to use. That's why a "free" scholarship search, college matching tool, or educational app might cost you more than you realize—in privacy, not dollars.
And once your information is out there, it can be difficult—sometimes impossible—to trace or remove.
5. How ScholarTrail Is Different
We created ScholarTrail because we believe students and families deserve better.
As a privacy-first nonprofit, we promise:
Our goal is to help you find opportunities, not become one for someone else's bottom line.
6. The Bottom Line
Your data has value. Companies know it. It's time you do too.
By understanding how data monetization works, you can make smarter choices, ask better questions, and support tools—like ScholarTrail—that put you first.